A dominant center in the NBA from 1977 to 1988, known for his strong rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons.
Kent Benson is a renowned American former basketball player, widely recognized for being a two-time All-American for the Indiana Hoosiers and leading the team to the 1976 NCAA championship with a perfect 32-0 record. He was also named the 1976 Helms Foundation Player of the Year and the 1976 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
Kent Benson was born on December 27, 1954, in New Castle, Indiana. He attended New Castle Chrysler High School, where he excelled in basketball under Coach Cecil Tague. Benson's impressive skills earned him the title of Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1973, and he scored 1,496 points and had 1,585 rebounds in three varsity seasons.
Benson chose to attend Indiana University, where he played college basketball for Coach Bobby Knight. In his freshman year, he averaged 9.3 points per game, while shooting 50.4 percent. He helped lead Indiana to the CCAT Championship and a 23-5 record, as well as a Big Ten title.
In his sophomore season (1974-1975), Benson helped lead the Hoosiers to an undefeated conference record (18-0) and an Elite Eight appearance, where they lost their only game of the season to Kentucky 92-90, despite 33 points and 23 rebounds from Benson. With a 31-1 record, Benson averaged 15 points and 8.9 rebounds a game.
In his final season (1975-1976), Benson, along with seniors Quinn Buckner and Scott May, helped lead Indiana to the 1976 national championship. The Hoosiers won every game they played, finishing 32-0. Benson was voted the 1976 NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player, averaging 17.3 points and 8.8 rebounds a game.
The Milwaukee Bucks selected Kent Benson as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1977 NBA draft. He played 11 seasons in the NBA for the Bucks (1977-1980), Detroit Pistons (1980-1986), Utah Jazz (1986-1987), and Cleveland Cavaliers (1988).
Kent Benson's remarkable college career and achievements have left a lasting impact on the world of basketball. He is remembered as one of the greatest players in Indiana University history, and his undefeated 1976 season remains an unparalleled achievement in Division I basketball.
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A dominant center in the ABA and NBA, known for his impressive shot-blocking and rebounding abilities, earning him a Hall of Fame induction.
